economical

1providing good service or value in relation to the amount of time or money spentan economical car to run (= one that does not use too much petrol/gas)It would be more economical to buy the bigger size.oppositeuneconomical

2using no more of something than is necessaryan economical use of spacean economical prose style (= one that uses no unnecessary words)oppositeuneconomical

3not spending more money than necessarysynonymfrugalHe was economical in all areas of his life.Which Word?economic / economicalEconomic means ‘connected with the economy of a country or an area, or with the money that a society or an individual has’:the government’s economic policythe economic aspects of having children.see alsoeconomy(1)Economical means ‘spending money or using something in a careful way that avoids waste’:It is usually economical to buy washing powder in large quantities.see alsoeconomy(3)

Extra examplesSolid fuel would be more economical.This arrangement is more economical in its use of staff.This arrangement is more economical with space.This new oven is highly economical.more economical of time and resourcesHe admired her economical movements as she set the table for supper.He uses an economical prose style.These cars are very economical to run.an economical use of land/​spaceIdioms